Train or no train, get ready to roll

By Tim Barnum
Staff writer

Posted
9/22/08

STANDISH — The steam engine rides are out for the year, as is the massive engine altogether, but the Arenac Heritage Route Authority’s (AHRA) fourth annual Depot Days is still chugging on full-steam ahead.
“Even if they won’t have any rides we’ll still have our static display,” said AHRA Chairman Curt Hillman. He added the historical train cars on display year-round at the Standish Historical Depot and Welcome Center will be open to the public during the entirety of Depot Days and the static caboose is also getting sandblasted and repainted before the festival. A dedication ceremony will be held on Saturday to recognize the renovated caboose.
Another static display may also be available for viewing during Depot Days, as Hillman has been in contact with Lake State Railway, the company who owns the railroad running through Arenac County, about getting a passenger car and dining car parked on the tracks behind the depot.
“We’re still sorting that issue out,” Hillman said. “It still has to be approved through the channels (Lake State’s owner).”